The ‘excellent’ team at Simpson Grierson maintains broad expertise in corporate matters, including inbound investments, capital markets, and commercial infrastructure projects. The firm is well-versed in public and private M&A transactions. Andrew Matthews, the firm’s practice head, advises listed companies, private equity firms, and family offices through negotiations and transactions. Don Holborow is an expert on compliance issues, while Michael Pollard is knowledgeable on takeovers, securities issuance, private equity transactions, and corporate governance. James Hawes specialises in joint ventures and venture capital. Edward Norman was promoted to partner in January 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Simpson Grierson corporate team are experts in their field, and have excellent experience in our industry.’
‘Michael Pollard is a weapon who we're very fortunate to have on our side of the negotiating table. He has a knack for quickly understanding, simplifying and coming up with creative solutions for what were otherwise unique and complicated scenarios.'
‘The strengths of Simpson Grierson are their exceptional commercial advice, strong communication skills and breadth and depth of technical and industry knowledge to offer right size advice and support to the business.’
‘We consistently receive invaluable commercial advice demonstrating an understanding of our industry and business needs and risks.'
‘The team at Simpson Grierson is excellent.’
‘Simon Vannini is a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer. He provides excellent, clear and concise advice with good humour.’
‘Simpson Grierson has a holistic approach to client services, ensuring that every aspect of a client's needs is met with precision and care. They have specialists in various fields, providing clients with top-tier expertise in each area.’
‘Michael Pollard possesses exceptional expertise and deep knowledge. His ability to provide insightful and innovative solutions to complex problems is truly remarkable.’
Key clients
- 2degrees
- Adamantem Capital
- Alliance Group Limited
- Amcor Flexibles North America Inc.
- Auckland Council
- Colliers
- Comvita Ltd
- DB Breweries
- Empired Limited
- Hobson Wealth
- Liverpool Partners
- Livingbridge
- Lodestone Energy
- Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets & Aware Super
- Matariki
- New Zealand Rugby
- nib New Zealand
- PIP Global Holdings
- Qube Holdings Limited
- Rocket Lab
Work highlights
Advised Auckland Council, the largest local authority in New Zealand, on the sale of a 7% stake in Auckland International Airport Limited, New Zealand’s largest international airport.
Acted for 2degrees in a landmark telco deal involving the sale and leaseback of 2degrees’ cellphone towers to mobile tower and infrastructure company, Connexa, for $1.076bn.
Advised the shareholders of Hobson Wealth on the sale of all the shares in Hobson Wealth to Forsyth Barr, a strategic acquisition that grew Forsyth Barr’s assets under management to more than NZD30bn.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Michael Pollard
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
James Hawes
Andrew Matthews
Practice head
Andrew Matthews
Other key lawyers
Michael Pollard; James Hawes; Simon Vannini; Don Holborow; Andrew Kirk; Anastasiya Gutorova; Rob Macredie; Catherine Shipton; Edward Norman; Michael Sage